Ladies and gentleman: It’s time to make a new resolution. In honor of Earth Day, why not do something good for you AND the planet by making the switch to healthier, more sustainable, natural beauty and personal care products?

What does this mean? It’s certainly a sliding scale, but in general, it means ditching toxin-laden products made by companies that don’t engage in responsible business practices in favor of healthier products made by companies that give a damn. You’d think it seems like common sense, however, it’s often easier said than done.

We women have a pretty deep connection with our beauty products, and I don’t just mean your foundation and lipstick. I’m also talking basic personal care: deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, face and body care, and of course, cosmetics. We find one we like, that works for us, and tend to stick with it like white on rice, ingredients be damned…it works! Whether it’s the perfect stay-put, lash thickening mascara, your “signature” scent, or the under eye cream that keeps those bags at bay, most of us have at least one “can’t live without” beauty product (more likely several) and chances are, they might not be that good for you or the planet.

So what’s a girl to do? Start with what you use the most and search hard for a healthier option made by a responsible company. Scratch that one off the list and move on the next item.

Not sure what to try or where to look? After all, there are a boatload (aircraft carrier size) of so called “natural products” on the market. Not to fret, we’re here to help with our first annual Earth Day round up of EcoSalon ‘Eco Beauty Approved’ beauty and personal care products to help you make the switch.

We’ve worked really hard to gather this list from professionals in the field, including Kristen Arnett, Paige Padgett,Jessa Blades, Greta Eagan, Sophie Uliano, Todra Payne, Renee Loux, Starre Vartan and others, along with our very own editors and writers. We’ve looked at ingredients, brand missions and philosophies, considered skin and hair types, all types of concerns and tested several products in each line. We’ve broken it down by category, with multiple options in each, so get ready for lots of options.

We’ve also considered price and tried very hard to include a broad range from luxury to affordable for just about any budget. Even though we’ve listed just one or two product recommendations per brand, it’s hard to go wrong with these companies, so experiment until you find your new must have products! While it is a lengthy list, we’ve whittled the aircraft carrier down to at least a yacht-size. Without further ado, please read on for the 2013 EcoSalon Approved Eco-Beauty Guide!

THE BATH & BODY LIST

Ali’i Kula Lavender Farm resides at an elevation of roughly 4,000 ft. and is home to approximately 55,000 lavender plants and 45 different varieties of lavender. Built on a value-centered philosophy of “Aloha” which means love, friendship and responsibility, Ali’i Kula Lavender’s founding principle speaks to the quality of our relationships with the land, the community and each other.

All of the ingredients used in Buddha Nose products are totally free of all synthetics and chemical preservative systems. The skin is your largest organ, and by using only organic ingredients, Buddha Nose not only respects the health and well being of your body, but also respects the health and well-being of the environment.

Offering a range of high quality organic and Fair Trade personal care products, from lotions to shaving gels – all certified under the same USDA program that certifies organic foods. Major causes and focuses Dr. Bronner’s currently supports include fighting for organic integrity in personal care, recommercialization of industrial hemp in the US, and promotion of Fair Trade certification of product supply chains to ensure fair wages and prices are paid.

Following a desert trek in India, Founder Marla Steuer came upon pure rose water and discovered charm, ritual, scent and pleasure all at once. When she learned of the many benefits of the rose, she was smitten. Wishing to share this precious secret with everyone, Marla set out to incorporate the healing, hydrating benefits of rose, once coveted for only royalty, into a completely natural skincare line.

Sensibly created to provide the best natural and chemical-free skincare that everyone can afford in light, break resistant, and inexpensive BPA-free packaging. Not a fad or a trend, Evolue uses the best pharmaceutical grade natural ingredients and stays authentic to their purpose which is to be pure, effective, and logical skincare for those who truly seek it. Enjoy!

Erbaviva was created to offer mommies-to-be and babies upscale products completely free from all harsh detergents, chemical fragrances, and other unhealthy additives. Today they offer a wide range of products for the entire family with bath, body and true aromatherapy.

Beyond the products, Essence of Vali loves inspiring people to love themselves, age gracefully and experience a whole new way of life. They believe in challenging your mind, honoring your body and celebrating your spirit.

Natural ingredients vibrate with energy. They have the power to restore balance and sustain your unique skin health. In keeping with the traditions of American herbalism, each herb and flower chosen for a Farmaesthetics preparation plays a functional role. Each ingredient is there for a reason. The result is not just skin that looks healthier, but is healthier.

Caring about yourself and caring about the earth don’t have to be mutually exclusive. For more than 20 years, this has been the guiding force in creating Super Natural Beauty for your hair, your skin, and your home that treats the earth with respect.

Metropolis Soap Company is the result of over a decade of research into natural and cruelty-free skincare. All of our products have 12 ingredients or less and contain no animal byproducts, sulfates, or parabens.

Supporting sustainable agriculture and culture through fair trade sourcing, organic farming, living wages, renewable, recycled and recyclable resources. All products are honestly labeled and crafted in small batches, using pure, organic ingredients that replenish the skin and soothe or stimulate your senses and preserved using the gentlest of methods to retain the nurturing properties of the botanicals in each customized blend.

A portion of the sale of each Savvy Boheme item made with organic and fair-trade ingredients goes to Family Legacy, whose goal is to foster a dynamic and growing relationship between the families of America and the orphaned and vulnerable children of Zambia.

For over a decade, Shea Terra Organics’ founder, Tammie Umbel, has been helping native Africans to preserve their wildlife habitats by sharing their indigenous, healing ingredients with the world. Not only do Shea Terra Organics’ skin care treatments assist in preservation, they are also the backbone of economic sustainability for many hardworking families across the continent.

Founder of Simple Sugars, Lani Lazzari believes, “If you wouldn’t eat it, then you probably have no business putting it on your skin!” Simple Sugar products are all-natural, are safe and effective for sensitive skin, are fun to use and smell great too.

All SkinFare sticks contain the same powerful base blended from just four recognizable ingredients: coconut oil, palm fruit oil, beeswax and castor oil. They have medicinal and cosmetic properties. Each individual flavor combines this multi-purpose base with different essential oils that provide additional benefits to your skin. Every ingredient is USDA certified organic, harvested sustainably, and traded fairly.

Product Picks:

Verdant Green (great for warding off insects and treating bites and rashes)

Strawberry Hedgehog products are 100 percent vegan and therefore free of animal byproducts as well as free of any animal testing. They assure that no critter was ever hurt to give you fabulous skin and that you are helping the planet by not contributing to the ecologically devastating effects of massive factory farming.

Nutrition from the outside-in, these products are hand crafted in small batches and made with only the purest organic food-grade ingredients with the help of an expert herbalist to develop intoxicating aromatherapy-grade essential oil mixtures that are medicine for both the body and soul.

Clinically-proven to address the many faces of your life & evolve with your needs each day, month & year. Suki® helps you achieve a state of harmony & ultimately a clear, radiantly healthy & glowing complexion. The products provide the advanced interactive formulations of essentials, balancing & nourishing – that allow you to create a unique skincare regimen for who you are today.

Copyright ® 2016 all rights reserved by EcoSalon, and can not be reproduced without permission in writing. We are a digital magazine for entertainment, we are not here to diagnose or treat any health or medical conditions.